There are a gargantuan number of behaviors that are illegal. It is easy to create a list of illegal behaviors, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, or theft. If you were pressed, you could add to this list a host of additional violations, like espionage, fraud, abuse, or trafficking. We might have a list of hundreds we could pen if we were given enough time. But were you aware that the legal canon of the United States has over 260 volumes? Additionally, there are over 16 volumes of IRS codes and 168 volumes of Supreme Court decisions. Can it be any wonder there are so many lawyers (625,000 at my last check) for defending or litigating regulations? Now, add to this international law and the laws of other lands. And if you think those international laws don’t matter, read the fine print of your Passport which in essence says you are bound by the laws of the country you are traveling in.
There are behaviors, though, against which there are no laws, as the Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians. Personally adhering to these attitudes of the heart could actually make life more fulfilling and transforming. Living with integrity, honesty, sound speech, gentleness, self control and others keeps us within boundaries that seek the best for all involved. These attitudes, when lived out, do not intend to harm but rejoice in the good we can experience as human beings. These behaviors not only enrich us, but they also invite others to measure themselves against universal principles of excellence.
I know we live in a social structure that tells us we have personal rights and no one can tell us how to live or act. We make life relative to our own situation….our behaviors are determined by our decisions and what feels right to us. But as a student of ancient wisdom, I know that some of the greatest literature in the world for 3,000 years tells us that personal character is not a license to freely live, but to live free. These ancient voices beckon us to live nobly, civilly, and with self-control. Living well means incorporating these universal principles of attitude and character against which there are no laws. Living with a high sense of character not only has benefit now in how we live, but is replicated in the lives of our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the communities in which we live.
I am not naïve to believe there should not be laws. They are essential for bringing some balance of justice in the world, as well as protection when necessary. However, I do believe that the plea of ancient writers to live with universal principles of excellence could change most, if not all, of our personal, corporate, community, and societal relationships. I have personally been told while traveling internationally by my hosts that I have a “heart for their land and people.” While I do read extensively about cultures, customs, and history of the lands I visit before I travel, I also just try to live universal principles that command the highest good from me. The combination of these two behaviors allow me to have a heart for all those I will encounter during my travel. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see what would unfold if we personally—and collectively—began living to the cadence of these ancient voices of civility and nobility?
In the blogs ahead, I will explore a number of character attitudes and behaviors that I believe can change us and infuse our relationships with hope, peace, grace, and living well. Blessings for this day. Grace and peace.
David Neidert
Living Well 